The 2026 Super League season is underway, promising a more competitive landscape than ever before. The league has expanded to 14 teams with the addition of Bradford Bulls, Toulouse Olympique, and York Knights, and a flurry of player signings suggests a high level of play throughout the year. Extensive television coverage will bring all the action to fans, with Sky Sports broadcasting every match live.
Hull KR Aim to Continue Dominance
Hull KR enters the season as the team to beat, having completed a remarkable treble in the previous year – securing the League Leaders’ Shield, the Super League Grand Final, and the Challenge Cup. Willie Peters’s side will undoubtedly be looking to replicate that success, but they face stiff competition from several other contenders.
Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, and Wigan Warriors are all tipped to challenge for silverware this season. The expanded league format and increased competition mean that maintaining a consistent level of performance will be crucial for any team hoping to lift trophies.
Increased Competition and Expanded League
The addition of Bradford Bulls, Toulouse Olympique, and York Knights to the Super League brings a fresh dynamic to the competition. These teams will be eager to prove themselves against the established clubs, and their presence is expected to raise the overall standard of play. The expansion to 14 teams marks the 30th anniversary of the Super League’s launch.
The league is anticipating record-breaking attendance figures, building on the success of 2025. The increased number of teams and the promise of exciting matches are expected to draw larger crowds to stadiums across the country. The Magic Weekend, where all 14 teams play at a single venue over two days, is also expected to be a major draw for fans.
How to Watch Super League 2026
For fans wanting to follow every moment of the 2026 Super League season, Sky Sports is the primary broadcaster. Live coverage of every match will be available on Sky Sports channels. Sky Sports can be added to existing Sky TV packages for £20 per month, providing access to all nine sports channels. Alternatively, a complete sports package including Netflix is available for £35 per month.
For those seeking a contract-free option, NOW offers flexible streaming options. A day membership is available for £14, allowing access to live matches and other sports content. BBC will also provide coverage of select games, making the action accessible to a wider audience through free-to-air broadcasts, along with interviews and behind-the-scenes features.
Super League Season Structure
The Super League season runs from to , consisting of 27 regular-season rounds. The 14 clubs will compete for a top-six spot, with the playoffs taking place in and culminating in the Grand Final at Old Trafford in .
The competition is structured in several phases. The regular season sees each team play 27 matches. Following the regular season, the top six teams advance to the playoffs, where they compete in a series of elimination matches to determine the Grand Finalists. The Grand Final winner is crowned the Super League champion.
Looking Ahead: The World Cup
With the Rugby League World Cup taking place in the autumn, players will have an added incentive to perform at their best throughout the Super League season. The World Cup provides a platform for players to showcase their talent on the international stage, and strong performances in the Super League are likely to influence team selections.
The 2026 Super League season promises to be a thrilling and competitive one, with the expanded league format, increased competition, and extensive television coverage ensuring that fans will be able to follow all the action. Hull KR will be looking to continue their dominance, but they face a strong challenge from Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, and Wigan Warriors, as well as the newly promoted teams.
